About the reserve

The special interest of these meadows lies in their diversity that reflect the site’s varied soils and long history of sympathetic management.  No artificial fertilisers have been added, no ploughing has taken place and grazing, mainly with horses, has been kept at a low level.

Old meadow grasses such as crested dog’s-tail are brightened by the colourful display of typical meadow herbs such as knapweed, bird’s-foot trefoil, eyebright, dyer’s greenweed, yellow rattle, yellow-wort and common spotted orchid.  Damper areas support water mint, ragged robin, jointed rush and lesser spearwort. Despite being so close to urban areas, many species of bird are seen on the  reserve throughout the year from buzzards, ravens and jays to stock doves, linnets and green woodpeckers.

The interest of the reserve is enhanced by the presence of the deserted medieval settlement of Kenelmstowe.  It’s not known exactly where the settlement was located but it’s likely to have centred around Spring Farm.  The village grew up around the shrine of St Kenelm who was reputed to have been martyred on the site now occupied by the church.

A visit to Penorchard Meadows can be easily combined with a visit to the Clent Hills (National Trust) and nearby Uffmoor Wood (Woodland Trust)